Stopping Racism

Beliefs and Values Regarding Prejudice (Part 1)

I was inspired to share my history with the topic of racism when I read and an article written by michememe, titled: “I AM NOT DATING A WHITE MAN- NO WAY.” I noticed that it sparked a lot of emotion in people, including myself. As I read all the comments I started to recall the experiences that molded and shaped my beliefs and values regarding prejudice against an ethnic group.

I grew up in a small community the population around 4,000 people and I recall only one black man residing in the town. He was employed as the school bus driver, my sister and I were transported to sporting events on the bus. I recall him being somewhere in his early thirty's. As I boarded the bus he always said something to make me laugh. With lack of exposure, I was never really confronted with racial prejudice. The most I ever experience on the subject was my grandparents using uneducated words such as “nigger rigged”. When I graduated high school I immediately moved nearly six and a half hours away to our state capitol with a much larger population somewhere around 200,000.

One of the first friends I made after relocating was a wonderful young neighbor man that played football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. We never dated, looking back I think both of us may have wanted to, but neither of us were forward enough to make the first move. But, we did spend a summer together, as he would be moving away in the fall to begin playing football with the Green Bay Packers. I have long since lost track of Jeff, one of the nicest men I’ve ever met. But I fondly remember his friendship and, like it was yesterday, a story that he shared with me. It was 28 years ago when he began telling how he had been a junior in high school in Atkinson Kansas when he was asked to a dance by a very beautiful and sweet blond classmate. His mother was so delighted for him to go to the dance, she carefully helped him shop for the perfect tie along with a nice outfit . This was one of the first dates that he had gone on claiming he had been to shy and involved with football in High school to ask girls out.

Compacting his lack of experience and shy nature was his dates invitation to join her family for dinner before the dance. In the back of his mind he wondered if she had mentioned to her parents that he was black? With all the concerns flashing through his mind he noticed as he drove to her home that the neighborhood where she lived was lined with mansions. Finally he pulled up to an affluent estate positioned on an entire field of turf. He looked down at the shaking piece of paper he was holding in his hands and matched the numbers written to those carved in the stone on the house. While he placed the car in parked, he considered for a minute driving home and calling his date to say he was feeling ill. Heck he could do this with a clear conscience, because he definitely felt nauseous! “No”, he couldn’t disappoint the girl he thought so much of or his mother for that matter.

He reasoned with himself thinking if he could score touchdowns, running through a pack of boys trying to bring him to his knees, he could make it to a dance with this sweet girl no matter how white or wealthy she was. He took a deep breath and put on a brave face and pushed the doorbell.

To his delight the dinner went perfectly her family was very kind and even funny! His date looked amazing. As the perfect dinner drew to a close, her mother helped pin on his boutonnière. The handsome couple posed for his mother to take pictures. She told Jeff she would make sure to get copies to share with his mother. He shook her fathers hand and thanked him for dinner, and promised to get his daughter home safely and by her curfew.

Now making his way out the front doorway, still wearing a smile on his face, he heard the familiar sound of a megaphone yelling his name. But, this time it wasn’t a cheerleader chanting encouragement or praise, his name was followed by, “Come out with your hands in the air”. He could hear his date screaming in the background as the familiar taste of bitter thick grass flooded his mouth, he allowed the attackers to force his arms behind him, and he felt metal cuffs being clicked around his wrists. The police officer pull on him physically instructing him to stand. Treating him like a captured animal, avoiding eye contact, they pushing him toward the street. He felt something crumble under his feet, he must be dreaming nothing made since, he realize that he was standing on broken glass, glancing at his car the back window had been smashed out glass lay all over the street. Was he under arrest? He hadn’t been read his rights? His head slammed against the frame of the police cruiser as he was forcefully shoved in.

He was terrified with no idea where he was being taken or why. The officers made small talk between themselves. He waited for a break in their conversation and mumbled while reaching his shoulder to his forehead to capture the the blood, “Where are we going? Am I under arrest? They glanced at each other rolling their eyes and looking annoyed, then sarcastically chuckled, they magnifying their superiority by ignoring him. They continued driving for around fifteen minutes, but, with Jeff's destination laying in front of him it felt like an eternity.

Now the car finally stopped and an arrogant officer finally used words, saying, “Get out!”. Now he was displayed in front of a tall lanky young man with a bad case of acne. “Is this the guy?”, the officer asked? Jeff told me all he could think was, “I could be in serious trouble, all us black guys look the same to white guys.” He watched in horror waiting for the man to speak. He saw the man scratch at his head while his lips moved in slow motion saying, “NO!”.

The mute policemen again shoved him savagely into the back of the car failing to remove the cuffs. He was relieved to be back at his car and they spoke to him again for the second time of the night with the same short command, “Get out!”. They retrieved their metal cuffs and then disappeared quickly into the night. He said he glanced towards the Mansion feeling defeat and humiliation, tears running down his face.

His hands shook as they clenched tightly to the steering wheel as he drove home. The night had grown chilly and the cold air rubbed against tears that burned down his checks.

He could have never imagined the night ending with such a relief to push open the door of home and run into his mothers arms.

Comments

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ZandaDee 4 years agofrom Sydney

Wow, what a sad story. I think you could (should) start a movement with that slogan, "stand up to hatred", I love it.

I've come across so many situations like the one you had with the guy in the store. So often these people don't think anyone will speak up against them, that when someone finally does, they are taken-aback. And once you delve deeper in to the reasons they feel the way they do, you realize just how shallow a foundation they have built up their hatred. Racism = Ignorance.

Bobby Isenhower 4 years agofrom Crothersville, IN

I come from a small town of 1000 people with no other races. I know a little bit about this type of stuff, but in my small town we welcome anyone. Yeah there are a few racists but you will get that anywhere you go. I got to college and they paired me with 4 black roommates. Some from gary indiana as we all know is murder capital and two of them had been in gangs. Much to our surprise we all got along very well. The country boy living with 4 guys from a background of gang violence and we all got along just fine. They nicknamed me B-Hood, because I was the only white guy in the black hood. Everywhere I went with them I hardly ever saw another white person. The dances and parties never seeing any white people. Now being from a small town and not being use to big parties, ours was more like 20 people around a bonfire in the middle of no where, when I entered the building to the dance, all kinds of thoughts came to mind. How are they going to accept me? WOW and I the only white guy here? Over 400 people at a college dance and I was the only white guy or any other race for that matter to walk through the door. My roommates always told me that if I ever needed anything they'd be there for me no matter how far they would have to drive. All I remember from that dance night is how much fun I had. You know that white spec on chicken crap thats what I looked like out there in the middle dancing with the rest. lol. I had a blast, and much to my surprise I found out that black girls love white guys. To this day I still stay in touch with my roommates. My mom use to think that it shouldnt be right to date other races. My mom is the greatest mom anyone could meet she just never had her eyes opened. She wasn't racist. But after she met my roommates and saw how they treated me like a brother, my mom would be there with open arms to any girl I would date no matter the race. We as humans get this impression that when we see someone from another race and they act bad toward us we automatically think that we all are that way. Being a country boy my roommates at first thought that I was racist since I was from the country. When I schooled them at basketball they saw I wasn't just a country boy :) I think people need to realize that just because of one person doesn't make the whole race bad. We all have our bad apples :)

Trevor Basile 5 years agofrom Rockaway, NJ

Once again you have written a great article. I think people forget sometimes that racism still exist. Keep up the great work

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Apostle Jack: Yes hateful and hurtful people are going to find a reason to be cruel to others and they are willing to use something as ridiculous as the color of ones skin to do it!

dwachira: You are the best for reading and sharing my articles I will stop over to your articles also.

[ Danson Wachira ] 5 years agofrom Nairobi, Kenya

Breathtaking, flowing and awesome article, almost forgot that i was reading about racism. It is such a negative thinking that divides our society. Tweeted this. Thanks Angela for sharing.

Apostle Jack 5 years agofrom Atlanta Ga

I thank all that we can do is what we can do.But i am afraid that it will never cease to exist. We can only roll with the flow of rejecting it everywhere we find it. Thanks for sharing.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

diyomarpandan: I do not know what advice to give on the next article? I am certain that it would get attention and raise eyebrows. I am not certain if it may get you into any trouble with hub pages. If it was an article against racism I would like to read it! Thank you so much for your comment!

diyomarpandan 5 years ago

Great narrative! Thanks for writing this down. I'm not a racist, I'm not writing racist stuff; we Filipinos have been discriminated upon too. I do contemplate using the N-word for the title of my next hub — not in a racist way. Hmm, it's going to be tough. I'll just try and see what happens. ... Sharing this.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Gulf Coast Sun: Thank you and yes we just need to get that simple one race fact across!

DDE: Yes South Africa, I am awaiting all the information that you have to share!

Devika Primić 5 years agofrom Dubrovnik, Croatia

I was born and raised in South Africa and know how racism affects people thanks for an eye-opener Hub

Gulf Coast Sun 5 years agofrom Gulf of Mexico

I LOVE THIS! Thank you. If more of us wrote like this to spread the word on being bias and racist then eventually everyone, young and old alike, will start realizing that we are one race.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

jlcustompc: Thank you and I will share for you also!

klanguedoc: Thanks for reading and lifting a writers confidence.

Kevin Languedoc 5 years agofrom Canada

This is such an important and sensitive subject. Why are people so racist, why the hatred? What are they afraid off? You wrote an fantastic piece. Thanks for sharing your story.

jlcustompc 5 years ago

Loved it and shared it over my social media!

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Peggy w. Thank you and the sharing is very appreciated.

Peggy Woods 5 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hi Angela,

I started reading all of the comments but finally had to give up & skip to the end. What a powerful piece of writing! Whether or not this is based upon personal experience or not, this showcases the ugliness of racism. If only we could see people for who they are beyond skin color or color of eyes, we would all benefit. Voted up, useful and definitely sharing!

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

tobusiness: You are so correct. I like the ugly little head discription also!

IsadorasThought : wish we could delet this racism! Thank you!

Mejohnson: thanks for your comment!

IsadorasThought 5 years ago

I keep typing and deleting things. Just can't believe... eh... Thank you for sharing this hub.

Jo Alexis-Hagues 5 years agofrom Bedfordshire, U.K

I would love to believe that incidents such as this would never happen in today's world, however, the pessimist in me believes it is still there, only more insidious.

My fear is that the hate is being passed to the next generation, whenever times are difficult up pops the ugly head. Racism is not only white on black but can also go the other way, hate is not only about colour but about anyone who appears to be different. I don't know what it is about the human psyche that creates fear and the need to destroy what we don't understand. This is a very powerful article, beautifully written about a place in time we really do not want to revisit.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Deborah Brooks I am always happy when you leave a comment! Yes the 60's and 70's were very busy times. Things have calmed down a bit since then. The history of that time period forced a lot of needed change.

Deborah Brooks Langford 5 years agofrom Brownsville,TX

well I can relate to this story.. It brings back memories of things that happened in the high school I went to back in the 60's.. it was horrible..

voting up and sharing

Debbie

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Gulf Coast Sun: I am so happy that you have the two beautiful grandchildren. It sounds like your son-in-law is also wonderful!

MarleneB : It makes me sad than anyone including your family would have to stare hatered in the eye. Thank you for your writing compliments. Bless you!

StayPos: Thank you for your insightful comment.

910chris: Thank you for reading this and It would be nice if people could hear experiences that made them make decisions on how to prepare for such behavior.

910chris 5 years agofrom North Carolina

If that story does not touch your heart, than I don't know if you have one. I thank you for letting us read that. That is something everyone should read.

StayPos 5 years agofrom Florida, USA

Angela,

Excellent hub! Your story captures us and draws our attention to the ugly reality of racism. We are reminded of the personal, residual and collateral damage that it has caused. It’s something that should resonate with all races of people in our wonderful nation as something we categorically reject.

In addition let’s believe for a change in hearts that lead to a complete eradication of it someday.

Thanks for sharing and inspiring a very thought provoking discussion.

I also join the others who congratulate you on your great start here on Hubpages :-) I'll look forward to more great content from you! All the Best

Gulf Coast Sun 5 years agofrom Gulf of Mexico

Ten years ago my sweet, loving step-daughter announced that instead of going for her PhD as planned, she was going to marry and start a family. Her husband of ten years is a wonderful, loving and caring African-American and our twin grandchildren, now six years old, are the highlight of our lives. From the time of their birth strangers would ask our son-in-law if he is their biological father. He is 6'6", very dark skinned, and the twins (boy and girl) are white skinned, blue eyes, blonde hair. So you can imagine the rudeness of people to even ask such a personal question. Thank goodness Ray is a considerate, kind person with lots of compassion for people and never feels hurt or insulted by the rudeness of strangers. He feels it best to just

'one-up' them with conversation and education. The children have not encountered any problems and they know they are special with loving parents and a large family and group of friends that love them unconditionally.

Marlene Bertrand 5 years agofrom Northern California, USA

I was numb after reading this story. It's sad, and the truth is this sort of thing still happens. We just don't read about it in the news, nevertheless it still happens. I, being a black woman with black parents and black brothers could tell similar stories of life as it was for us growing up in America. What's sadder than the turmoil inflicted on the young man in the story is that no one ever apologizes when they figure out that they made a mistake.

You have a great talent for the way you handled this story. Thank you for sharing it so well.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Pinkchic18: Thank you!

Sarah Carlsley 5 years agofrom Minnesota

Heart wrenching story. But I'm glad you shared, people need to realize how relevant racism still is.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Cheeky Girl : "Like she said", as I point at you when confronted. LOL Great comment!

Cassandra Mantis 5 years agofrom UK and Nerujenia

That could happen any time, in the '60's, '70's '80's or beyind right up to today. Or other countries. Everyone condemns racism. But is does happen, and it does carry on in so many places. It's a thing called Group Think. Lots of folks start thinking a certain way, and soon, no one is brave enough to beg to differ or object, out of fear. And racism is fear of colored people. It's when the bigots get so powerful that they feel their viewpoint can never be wrong - since no one will challenge their bigotry - that the fear asserts itself.

Breaking the cycle comes with understanding, listening, relating and caring. Fear can be such a real thing. Most creatures in the animal world understand it, especially humans. Step outside the fear, and see the fear, and then conquer it. Humans have the built-in ability to do that. We can be shown and taught it from an early age.

We can stop racism if we banish ignorance. Like your hub!

mejohnson 5 years ago

Great hub and topic, and well written.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

p10kabhijita I agree with your comment! Thank You for reading!

Abhijit Aswath 5 years agofrom India

This is shocking. The already existing stereotypes and prejudices are re-iterated and fueled by the media in a large way. There has to be an end to the torture for no offense at all.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

zombiedamage & Suewon: Thank you for reading! I really don't know if it was her father. The whole situation was sad and clearly due to his color and most disturbing it was racially motivated!

Sueswan 5 years ago

Hi Angela,

It really angers me when some one is judged by the colour of their skin. It looks like the girl's father called the police. I am on to the next chapter.

zombiedamage 5 years ago

again i wanted to say thank you for this article. beautifully written and beautifully stated.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

CCahill : Thank you for sharing and yes this is an important issue and I will do the same for you!

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

zombiedamag: you are so correct. I didn't know of Mr. Kings passing!

SweetiePie 5 years agofrom Southern California, USA

@Michememe

I am the deep reader type that comments on things mentioned from beginning to end of articles. Sorry you thought my comment implied you thought that you were imply dating outside of race was a problem for some, I was just commenting on a side note of the article. I have to continue my divergent commentary, and side note commentary. I encourage it in my hubs, but I know not everyone gets into it. I like comments on all aspects of a hub, and thought mine added to it. Oh well, I am the outside of the box commentator as always!

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

You are so well spoken I don't think anyone could have put that so clearly as you Michememe!

Miche Wro 5 years ago

Sweetie, I appreciate your thoughts. However my article topic is not dating out of the race. That is not what is embodied in the article. Reading it, you will see where I actually am in favor of this. I am aware there is no pure anything, however we are placed in check off boxes causes us to pick a race, When people see me I get questions such as: Do you have Asian in you, are white people in your family, Native American is in your blood isn't it? It's all true, I have each race line in me. My features are keen, sharp almond eyes, long slender pointed nose, high cheekbones. Yet, in all that my skin is dark and by division of boxes I am black. Which, I am perfectly fine with. Frankly, it is of little importance what race people belong to, more important is fixing concepts of how we label and treat one another.

SweetiePie 5 years agofrom Southern California, USA

Please do not take this the wrong way, but that comment your grandparents made is definitely prejudiced, and not something that would be accepted even among people their age where I live, as even far back as the 70's. Out in California we never heard people say things like that, and if they do they are immediately deemed a racist. I had an uncle who said a few things like that when our family visited him in Kansas, and we were shocked to the hilt. I guess growing up in a diverse environment does that, but such comments can be hurtful.

Now the hub about the lady who does not want to date outside her race, I guess I can sort of see why she feels that way, but no race is pure to be truthful. African-Americans actually have a lot of white ancestry though because of slave owners fathering children with their slaves, and it was quite a horrible institution in many ways. Some African-Americans have more white ancestry in their genetics than they are probably aware of, and some white people actually have African-American ancestry as well. Some white people are also part Native American, and I think here in California the whole concept of race is changing. I see a lot of people of Mexican and white ancestry get married and have kids, so people are actually more mixed than they would like to think.

I am a very mixed person myself, so I do not understand the concept of dating within a certain group. It makes no sense whatsoever. I think people should date who they like, but if you want to let some preceived idea about who you should date because of your family, then you might not be happy.

With that being said people are confused when they see me. They ask me what I am, and when I tell them I am mixed, it bothers them. I think some people do not like the idea of Americans who are mult-ethnic, but the truth is more and more of us are that way, and a lot of us have always been.

zombiedamage 5 years ago

so many things are wrong in this world. and racism is up there. unfortunately rodney king passed away today. one of the most up front and out there racial issues of it's day when the footage of his beating was broadcasted all over the news. as rodney said can't we all just get along. unfortunately the answer seems to be no. to many people are raised to see others ethnicity or sexuality as bad and feed into the hatred of it. it honestly disgusts me. great job writing this hub. and putting the word out there that there are people who are doing this horrible behavior and it needs to stop.

CCahill 5 years agofrom England

Its disgusting, if ever there was a hub worth sharing its this one, fighting bigotry one share at a time

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Cyndi10: Yes this is to common! Wish I could think of a quick fix. We just need to keep working on it!

Cynthia B Turner 5 years agofrom Georgia

Hello Angela, The incident that Jeff told you about happens all to often. Most of the time the ending is not so good, even if the young man is the wrong person. Horrifying. As the mother of two black males, as they got older, it was a thought I lived with daily "What if they get stopped for the wrong reason or no reason." Unfortunately, I'm not alone in those fears. Billy is so right. There is a lot of promoting behind the scenes. This was very well written with some wonderfully supportive comments that others have made.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Vegas Elias: Yess this is true thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Vegas Elia: I think this would quickly disolve if we were attacked by alliens from another planet and then we would suddenly be seen as the same... human kind! LOL

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

I think this would quickly disolve if we were attacked by alliens from another planet and then we would suddenly be seen as the same... human kind! LOL

Vegas Elias 5 years agofrom Mumbai

Unfortunately there is racism everywhere. There are people of various colors like white, brown, yellow, red and black. I feel each have their own place. The whole problem has started with the ease of movement due to which people of different races come in contact with each other and tend to hate each other. With technological progress should have come mental maturity which has failed to come; Hence the continuation of racial prejudices.

I feel things will change but slowly.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Vims003: Yes we you me and the commenters are the one that can teach our childern love and not hate and stand up to this issue!

CloudExplorer: Yes it makes you believe that Jeff's parents had spoke to him about the threats that he may face as a black man and how to avoid conflicts with racist officals!

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

rajan jolly Thanks again for the comments and especially for the sharing I have more of your I'd like to share also so I will stop by your hub land today aslo!

Mike Pugh 5 years agofrom New York City

Yeah racism sucks, and I will share an experience I once had as a writer, and in the military work force, where I had went through some scenarios in dealing with racism. Thanks for the inspiration to write such a hub and its coming right up!

Voted up and out, oh that guy you met Jeff he seemed like a cool dude, luckily he didn't resist being arrested, Right!

Vimesh Ummer.U 5 years agofrom india

GOOD TOPIC AND ARTICLE.RACISM SHOULD BE STOPPED.ITS PLEASURE TO SEE THAT THERE ARE HUGE NUMBERS OF HUBBERS SUPPORTS YOUR HUB AND OPPOSE RACISM.CONGRATS.VOTED UP.

Angela, a very unnerving incident. And you recap it so well with your description. Racism is widespread even now. I believe hating a human being in itself is racism in a way.

Amazing write.

I'm off to read the next part.

Voting it all ends up. Sharing it too.

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Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Cheryl J. Thank you!

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Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Judah's Daughter: I am sorry about that. He is what the bible refers to as a hyicrit (sp).

Judah's Daughter 5 years agofrom Roseville, CA

This is heart-wrenching! It just breaks my heart. I'm thankful you have written on this subject - I HATE HATE. I have an inter-racial child. I once went on a first date with a Christian man. He told me all during dinner how he loved to listen to this black pastor from TX and couldn't wait to fly out there to attend one of his church services. I felt comfortable telling him I had an inter-racial daughter. Well, he took me home and emailed me the next day that he had to admit he had a problem with 'racism' and could never become a step-father to my child. At least he was honest, but really? He claimed to be a Christian, receives of a black Christian pastor's messages but can't date a woman with an inter-racial child. Soooo sad. So true.

I would have a hard time judging anyone. We all certainly have some degree of racism as hard as we try not to! Thank you for commenting!

Levertis Steele 5 years agofrom Southern Clime

Timetraveler:

If this is a true story, maybe the girl's father called the police. It is not too likely that he would have let his daughter leave with this black guy that he did not know. When he got back, the family did not appear again. Surely they heard his car start. It was at their house. I think that the drama was planned to send the boy running permanently, and the girl was probably part of it.

American Romance:

You said, "I strongly dislike America's black culture. Does that make me a racist? On the other hand I would have voted for Herman Cain or even Condi Rice for president any day of the week? So doesn't that prove I am NOT racist?"

Your views do not make you a racist and they do not prove that you are not. You do not have to prove to anyone what you are because your life will speak for you. I have voted for many Whites, but what does race have to do with my opinion of the best person for a job?

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

maheshpatwal: You are so right and I appreciate your wonderful comment!

maheshpatwal 5 years agofrom MUMBAI

Angela i agree with you that racism in any form is a crime and should be dealt with strictly. When the almighty lord who has created this beautiful planet called earth treats his/her children equally who are we to discriminate on the basis of race, religion , caste and creed.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

PHILLYDREAMER, Yes it was, I hope that perhaps the story will make people step upto racism as it has taught me to do!

Jose Velasquez 5 years agofrom Lodi, New Jersey

That was a terrible experience. I could not imagine suffering such an injustice.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

uzma shaleen: You are so correct! Thank you!

Uzma Shaheen Bhatti 5 years agofrom Lahore,Pakistan

I think racism is curse.many in world are trying to remove this curse. every human being is equall before the eye of God and we should treat them equally. best hub.keep up good work.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

We can not say that non of us harbor rasicm. But as one of my coments said we are all the human race. We are all created equal! What do you mean by culture? Thanks for sharing.

American Romance 5 years agofrom America

Racism is so profoundly deep, it is almost not understandable. I strongly dislike America's black culture. Does that make me a racist? On the other hand I would have voted for Herman Cain or even Condi Rice for president any day of the week? So doesn't that prove I am NOT racist? ...........again a deep subject.

Brilliant Hub Angela. Racism is insiduous, destructive and extremely painful. Growing up I experienced prejudice but my father instilled such pride in me that I was able to stand my ground and in some instances teach the ignorant racists that it is fear why they don't accept me. Once we talked and they understood what they were afraid of is not any different to them they relented and accepted that black folks are human beings too.

voted up adn shared.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

DRG Da Real Grinc: Thank you very much!

Felix J Hernandez 5 years agofrom All over the USA

Great progress that you have made in such a short time. Congrats.

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Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Yes it is awful. Thanks for your comment Junko.

junko 5 years ago

Racism is a evil spirit.

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

winfrost66: Thank you so much. Yes I think if we focus on stopping hatered perhaps one day we can lessen the racism.

John McNab: One would hope but, just last month if you would like to read part 2 more bad not uncommon bad news arose.

wrenfrost56 5 years agofrom U.K.

Racism is something that needs to be stopped, raising awareness is so important. Great hub and beautifully written. :)

John MacNab 5 years agofrom the banks of the St. Lawrence

I hope things have changed since then, Angela.

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Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Mommiegee: thank you so much and thank you for sharing

Kenneth: Thank You AGAIN! :)

Mommiegee 5 years agofrom Alabama

I commend you for writing this hub. I read michememe's hub not too long ago and I am just seeing yours. I've shared with my twitter and facebook friends

Kenneth Avery you could never get lost in the shuffle! That may have been the nicest comment I have ever had! Thank you!

Kenneth Avery 5 years agofrom Hamilton, Alabama

Angela . . .WOW! Judging by the amount of comments, mine might be lost in the shuffle, but I enjoyed and learned from your hub. Very informative and insightful. You, my friend, are a natural talent. A writer destined for bigger things. Glad to have met you and honored to follow you.

Kenneth

Author

Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

richawriter: Best comment ever! Only one race: the human race.:) wish I could vote up your comment!

Richard J ONeill 5 years agofrom Bangkok, Thailand

Great story and some great writing skills on show too.

I don't know why racism exists in the first place. There is only one race after all, no? The human race, regardless of color or creed.

For an intelligent species we can be so dumb it is unbelievable!

Awesome and up!

Tracy711 5 years ago

Hello Angela, this was such a sad story for me. I hate the fact that after all we have gone through people still don't get the fact we are all created equal. And they could start by adding a box that reads human for the race question on applications. I detest any kind of racism but unfortunately ignorance is a never ending story and hate breeds hate. I do not care for any racist person or do I teach it to any family or friend that I know. Maybe we can start one person at a time. And maybe someday it will be as God intended ..God Bless you :o)

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Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Lou Lohman we certainly would! Thank you for commenting.

Lou Lohman 5 years agofrom Plainfield, IL

Racism is one reason I hope humans don't make it off of this planet - at least, until we advance ourselves to a point, culturally and biologically, where racism isn't a factor - lest we infect the cosmos.

Joshua Zerbini 5 years agofrom Pennsylvania

You are welcome Angela, anytime! I do not miss following people who have the passion and skill to write effectively.

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Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

MelChi Thank you for sharing your insight!

Melanie Chisnall 5 years agofrom Cape Town, South Africa

Unfortunately, I don't think racism will ever die. Your hub struck a chord with me though, I grew up in Namibia and only had one or two friends of my own race. I didn't see colour - I saw friends. Moving to South Africa, with all its history - you are exposed more to what happened here all those years ago. It's very sad, and it still happens in certain Universities and towns, as I'm sure it does all over the world. The world would be a much better place if people could just stop making assumptions based on the colour of everyone's skin. Voted up, and interesting. Sharing - more people need to be aware of this.

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Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Thank you josh3418 for your support and esp. for following me!

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Angela Brummer 5 years agofrom Lincoln, Nebraska

Thank you Rahul324 I really thank you for your support and following. I am sad regarding your country as well!

Jessee R 5 years agofrom Gurgaon, India

Racism in America has been like the vernacular caste system in India..

I think most of America has moved over it after radical reforms and moves and I am glad it has happened! Your story outlines a liberal view which appeals and moves me...morally!

I strongly discard any kind of discrimination... That is why I am grieved to see the present status my country lies in

Great Hub

Joshua Zerbini 5 years agofrom Pennsylvania

Ecellent hub on a relevant topic. The world we live in is often cold and disheartening, and we need people like you will will compasssionately share vital topics in such informative and clear cut fashion. Voted up, useful, interesting, and beautiful! I will be following you!

Thank you! This is a great compliment coming from someone with such admirable articles.

Lenzy 5 years agofrom Arlington, Texas

It is hard to believe that this actually happened to the young man not so long ago. I'm sure it must have left some real scars. At least I'm glad that he was treated well by the girl's family. I imagine his date was pretty upset as well. This was very well written and I shared on facebook and stumbleupon. Lenzy